Since the adoption of its bike plan in 2019, the Seine-Saint-Denis has stood out for its resolute commitment to cycling mobility. With a budget of 150 million euros over five years and a stated objective of making 100% of its departmental roads cycle-friendly, the Department has deployed quality infrastructure, placing the bicycle at the heart of its urban transformation. But if the progress is notable, the challenges ahead are no less numerous, in particular to ensure the continuity and coherence of the cycle network.
Since 2021, Seine-Saint-Denis has achieved 41.4 kilometers of cycling facilitiesmaking it the most active Ile-de-France department over the period. This acceleration was made possible by the territory's ability to seize opportunities, particularly during the health crisis, with the implementation of “coronapistes“and thanks to Paris 2024 Games. The “Olympists”, i.e. 18 kilometers of specially designed infrastructure, contributed to structuring a cycle network in the east of the department, meeting daily mobility needs, while facilitating access to Olympic venues.
Recognized quality of fittings
Seine-Saint-Denis stood out for the quality of its facilities. Unlike other territories where cycle lanes are still common, here, the majority of infrastructures are separated from the car trafficthus offering increased safety to users. Among the most emblematic achievements, avenue Gabriel Péri has Montreuil embodies the model of exemplary development with a continuous cycle path, colored coating and well-designed intersections. This type of project highlights the Department's ambition to offer a framework adapted to cyclists.
One of the major assets of Seine-Saint-Denis lies in its ability to dialogue with cycling associations. Since 2017, the Department has been running a Active Modes Committeeguaranteeing regular consultation on current and future projects. This cooperation framework has made it possible to better adapt the facilities to the needs of cyclists, while creating a coherent and secure network.
Sustain the post-Games dynamic
Despite these successes, Seine-Saint-Denis remains faced with the challenge of the continuity of its cycling network. Although 52% of departmental roads are now developed, the network remains fragmented, hindering smooth and safe travel throughout the entire territory. To remedy this, the Department must continue its efforts to connect existing infrastructures. The axes connecting the door Bagnolet has Fontenay-sous-Bois or the D20 at Aubervilliersamong others, could offer continuity solutions between now and the end of the mandate, provided that the work is undertaken quickly.
The main challenge for Seine-Saint-Denis, after the end of Jeuxwill be to maintain the dynamic of creation of cycling infrastructure. The risk of seeing the effort run out of steam is very real. The Department must now focus on connecting its developments to form a continuous and structuring network, while ensuring the geographical equity of the projects, particularly towards the easternmost municipalities of the territory, which are still under-equipped.
